Remote Assistance

From Proprofs

Now that we have covered some of the core features of Windows XP, we can sit back and relax while looking into the less prevalent portions of the 70-270 exam. One of the new objectives for the exam requires the student to know how to use (and when to use) Remote Assistance and the Remote Desktop Connection. These are features essentially new to Windows XP and can be extremely useful if employed correctly. Today's lesson will be short, but pay attention as this topic is still tested.

Contents 1 Remote Desktop Connection 1.1 Using the RDC Client 2 Remote Assistance 3 Moving Forward 4 Quick Review 5 Answers

[edit section] Remote Desktop Connection

Years ago, most "computers" were actually terminals - desktops that simply "logged into" a mainframe or powerful computer. Now, most computers are very capable in their own right, and therefore are more than just terminals. Yet, for practical reasons, many people desire the ability to log into one computer remotely from another. In other words, they wish to access a computer without physically "being there."

In Windows XP, Terminal Services (an older Microsoft feature) is revamped as RDC, or Remote Desktop Connection. It allows you to access another Windows XP PC remotely or make yours available for remote connection. In practical terms, this can be very useful if you wish to access files or applications on a computer without actually having to transfer the necessary documents or program files.

In an RDC setup, one computer is the "host," or the computer that is being accessed, while the other is the "client," or the terminal. In Windows XP RDC, only one client may access a host at one time. A local user (a non-remote user) is also a type of client - this means that if a remote user is using the computer, the local user may not be using it at the same time.

Microsoft ships Windows XP with RDC functionality. However, the amount of functionality you get depends on the version of Windows you bought:

• Windows XP Home: May only act as a client
• Windows XP Pro: May act as both a client and a server

This means that a PC may not access a Windows XP Home PC remotely through RDC, with the exception of Remote Assistance (covered later).

To enable RDC on a host computer, go to the System applet of the Control Panel and click on the "Remote" tab. Enable "Remote Desktop Connection" and press OK or Apply.

Note that there are few options available for the RDC host. For some reason, Microsoft elected not to allow for much configuration of the RDC host, meaning that it is somewhat limited to particular ports and functions. By default, RDC operates on port 3389.

[edit section] Using the RDC Client

The exam will test you on your ability to use the RDC client, which is available to both the Home and Pro user. It is found at Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Communications -> Remote Desktop Connection. To begin to use RDC, you must first have a host name (or IP address) to access. Of course, you cannot access any XP computer you desire, so you must also have the proper credentials to login to the computer as you would need locally, meaning the proper username/password and domain.

You can also configure the following options:

• Display: Number of colors, resolution, and desktop size
• Local Resources: You can play sounds on the remote computer or on the local computer (client), share printers, disk drives, and removable storage devices
• Performance: Optimization of RDC for network connection

Once you have logged onto a remote PC, the PC becomes locally "locked out" so that you may be interactively logged-on as a remote user. As a remote user, you can perform most of the functions that you would from that local PC.

[edit section] Remote Assistance

Although you are likely a proficient PC user, many people who own computers must call a technician when they are experiencing problems with their computers. Now, the technician would typically arrive "on scene," take a look at the computer, and recommend a fix (or take it back to the repair site). This process is timely and expensive. Microsoft has addressed this concern by Remote Assistance to the Windows line of products.

Remote Assistance allows for a technician or a trusted friend to "assist" a local user via a remote connection. Note that unlike RDC, Remote Assistance can be used by an XP Home installation. To enable Remote Assistance, go to the System applet of the Control Panel and click on the "Remote" tab. Enable "Remote Assistance" and press OK or Apply.

[edit section] Moving Forward

Today's brief lesson will be followed by an important one on security in Windows XP, so be ready for a tough one next time around! Take the time to review the information covered above:

[edit section] Quick Review

1. You have enabled RDC on a Windows XP Pro PC and you are attempting to access it from a Windows XP Home PC. You encounter the error: "The client could not connect to the remote computer." Which of the following is the most likely explanation?

A. Windows XP Home cannot be used as an RDC client

B. Only a Windows XP Pro client can access a Windows XP Pro host via RDC

C. TCP port 3389 is not accessible

D. The PC is infested with a virus or a worm

E. You need to use Remote Assistance rather than RDP

2. Which of the following is not a feature of RDC?

A. Allows a user to logon interactively and remotely

B. Local disks and other resources can be used while accessing a remote host

C. Multiple users may logged on at one time

D. Can be optimized according to connection speed

E. Allows for "drag-and-drop" file transfer functionality

[edit section] Answers

1. Since the host is not accessible, the port is probably not available. There are really no other factors (given the information that was presented in the question) that would prevent the RDC setup from working. The answer is C.

2. Only one user may be logged onto RDC at one time. The answer is C.